Austin Pillado Joins Swim and Dive Coaching Staff

By: Olivia Dowell, SDA Media Relations

TEMPE-- The 2023-24 coaching squad for Sun Devil Swim and Dive is complete in the hiring of Austin Pillado as an assistant coach and Sam Iida will remain on the staff as an assistant.

Iida, who is now in his second season with the Sun Devils, comes to Tempe from Tucson where he swam with the Wildcats from 2017-2021. In his final season at Arizona, Iida was a part of the 400m medley relay that was named an All-American honorable mention at the 2021 NCAA Championships. Iida additionally coaches competitive swim at the Gold Medal Swim Club in the East Valley.

"Sam did a great job as our volunteer coach last year and we are excited that he's back as an assistant this season," head coach Bob Bowman said. "He has the key characteristic of successful coaches, the strong desire to learn and improve. He has a bright future in this profession."

Pillado comes to Arizona State from Penn State after working with the Nittany Lions for two years as an assistant coach working primarily with the sprint freestylers and breaststrokers During his time at PSU, nine school records were broken. This year at NCAAs, he coached Victor Baganha to an All-American finish in the 100 fly and the first All-American in that event for PSU in 20 years.

"Austin is one of the top young coaches in the country and has proven recruiting skills," Bowman said. "He brings a unique vibe to the team and will be a huge asset for ASU moving forward." 

Outside of Penn State, he served as an assistant coach for the Swedish national team for the European Championships in 2022. His other collegiate endeavors include as an assistant coach at Saginaw Valley State from 2020-21 and as a volunteer assistant coach at Texas A&M from 2017-2020. In his time with the Aggies, they won two SEC championships and eight school records were broke. Pillado additionally coached competitive swim with the Aggie Swim Club as a senior group coach for two years.

"I am incredibly honored & excited to get to work with the Sun Devils," Pillado said. "I'd like to thank Bob and the rest of the dynamic coaching staff for this unique opportunity. After learning what ASU and the athletic department are all about, I knew this is the place to be. I am eager to get to work with the student-athletes and make some big things happen for ASU. Forks up!"